Pastors set up fund to help families displaced by Gate City apartment explosion

FOX6 News has learned that 15 families have been displaced after the Gate City apartment explosion.

Dr. Darryl Lee with Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Gate City says 24 adults and 18 children are homeless because of the explosion. That includes two families who lived in the same building where the explosion happened.

Other families live in nearby buildings that still do not have power or they simply cannot get to their homes while investigators work.

"With the funds we will work diligently in order to take care of the needs of the 15 families. We want to ask you all to continue to support and help. We as faith based leaders will be accountable to you, the people, to make sure the needs are met in this community," Lee said.

Lee says churches are working with the housing authority and the displaced families. Lee says some pastors have set up a relief fund to help with the families' immediate needs and will also help the family of 40-year-old Tyrennis Mabry, the woman who died in the blast.

"We'll assist with the burial of our deceased sister who went home to with the Lord," Lee said.

The Woodlawn Campus of Church of the Highlands has also been helping residents since Tuesday, when the blast happened.

Pastor Aldger Armstead says their goal has been assisting with basic needs for those who may not be displaced, but still struggling to survive in the aftermath of the explosion.

"As folks were losing power, gas, heat any basic need, we just want to meet all the needs we can. So feeding lunch, snacks or dinner as we stand with them," Armstead said.

If you would like to help these families, contact any Wells Fargo Bank and ask to donate to the "Gate City Relief Fund." Here's the account number : 13 66 18 66 98